Judge Patrick Marlette issued a decision today that Governor Schwarzenegger can order state worker furloughs.
News article
Final ruling
It's looking an awful lot like California state workers will, in fact, be furloughed.
This means that, with few exceptions, all state offices will be shut down the first and third Fridays of each month through (at least) July 1, 2010.
What offices will not be shutting down?
California Highway Patrol will not be shutting down, and CHP officers are exempt from the furlough. Other CHP employees, however, are not exempt, and will taking alternative furloughs.
"Revenue generating agencies"
Prisons, hospitals, and other 24/7 facilities
Agencies that are outside of the governor's direct jurisdiction and are, therefore, exempt from the furloughs:
University of California
California State University
Community colleges
California Public Utilities Commission
The Legislature
The Judiciary
Agencies run by publicly elected officials
What offices will not be affected by the furloughs?
Secretary of State's Office
The Treasurer's Office
The Controller's Office
the State Superintendent of Public Instruction's Office
The Office of the Attorney General
The Lieutenant Governor's Office
The heads of each of these departments, as independently elected officials, have said that they will employ other cost cutting measures that do not involve employee furloughs.
I know you know I've got a good rant brewing about all of this, but I just don't have it in me right this very minute.
I'm getting a lot of hits from people doing searches on this issue, so I wanted to at least get this information out tonight.
If you're here because of a search and are looking for information, looking for hope, or looking for a place to rant - let me know! Leave me a comment, send me an email. I'll try to get as much information out there as I can about this.
But it helps to know what you're looking to find out.
1 comment:
Let me see if I understand the facts surrounding the furlough. (1) This budget fiasco was caused by our Legislature not doing their jobs responsibly. (2) The main focus on resolving this deficit is by furloughing State workers 2 days per month for the next 18 months even though the "savings" is just a drop in the bucket ($1.3B vs. $42B). (3) The Legislature is exempt from the furlough and they can still get their full salary, full per diem, State car, and all perks. Basically, they're rewarded for being financially irresponsible. (4) The Governor's spokesperson said that State workers are being given a day off. (I find that extremely offensive.) (5) It interesting to learn that former Governor Pete Wilson is advising Governor Schwarzenegger. (Remember Pete Wilson was not successful in raiding State worker pension funds back in the 90s.) Why are there only two choices between furlough or layoffs? Why not have the Legislators give up their pay and all benefits and/or perks and be in session 24/7 until the budget is passed? I smell too many rats in the Capitol. I say vote them all out of office
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